Newcastle United midfielder Mo Diame has revealed the details of his complex contract that could decide whether or not he is offered an extension next season.
The 31-year-old has explained that he will be handed a new deal by the Magpies, provided he plays a certain amount of games for them during this campaign.
Speaking to the Chronicle, he said: “Everyone knows I am near the end of my contract. But I am really happy and I hope to stay more years here.
“The situation is weird because I have an option. Right now as we speak, I will be out of contract.
“But the most important thing is to keep the club in the Premier League.
“I’m happy because I am playing and if I am playing and doing well, Newcastle will extend my contract.”
OPINION
Feelings about Mo Diame are mixed on Tyneside. The Senegalese international has been a regular fixture in Rafa Benitez’s side this season but has not always impressed with his performances. There can be no doubting his work ethic and his dedication to the side but frankly at times this season he has not being good enough. That being said he is not unique in his underperformance and Benitez is clearly keeping him in the side for a reason. The incentive of a new contract should be enough to ensure that the 31-year-old continues to give his all to a Magpies’ side that is bound to spend the rest of this season looking over their shoulder. Sometimes effort is not enough, however, and the concern for Newcastle fans will be that the club will continue to stagnate and potentially regress unless they begin to bring in players of a higher calibre. Diame has been a loyal servant to the club and it is good to see his hard work rewarded, but if Newcastle are serious about ending this perpetual cycle of relegation avoidance then they must begin to recruit in better ways.